Eclectic in Miami

Dining in a Miami restaurant could be compared to picking wild berries. Some are unripe, some are rotten, some prick you like thorns, and some, like blackberries, are delightfully unique but come with a few pesky seeds. The last describes Berries, a friendly spot that has morphed from a laid-back, take-out wraps and smoothies window to a hip, bustling, hippie-centric café. This place doesn't try to break new culinary ground but succeeds at placing well-prepared, generously sized, and relatively healthful dishes on the table.

9 articles

The Café at Books & Books

927 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach South Beach

305-695-8898

Contemporary, Eclectic, Recommended, Best Of

The food at most bookstore cafés usually encourages more fear and loathing than great expectations, but the cute little Café at Books & Books is actually a casual, inexpensive, unpretentious garden of earthly delights. The menu covers all the expected soup-salad-sandwich bases but also offers a few more adventurous options. Try the guava-glazed pork tenderloin with boniato mash, as well as coconut-crusted seared raw tuna with mango-pepper slaw. And save room for luscious cream cheese-coconut flan for dessert.Read our full review.

5 articles

The Cheesecake Factory

7497 Dadeland Mall Cir. W. East Kendall/Pinecrest

305-665-5400

American, Eclectic, Best Of, Menu

There's not a lot to say about the Cheesecake Factory that every American doesn't already know. The longest menu in creation. Cheesecakes in every incarnation. Epically caloric pasta dishes. The usual. But after a long day of fighting crowds and spending cash at Dadeland Mall - a respite at this popular chain is more than welcome. From the avocado eggrolls ($9.95) and fried macaroni and cheese ($9.50) to the Chinese chicken salad ($13.95) and Cajun jambalaya pasta ($16.95) - if you can't find something you like here, you might give fasting a try. It's a struggle to leave room for the main attraction, but cheesecake creations in flavors like Godiva chocolate, Kahlua cocoa coffee, chocolate chip cookie dough and pineapple upside down are so worth the uncomfortable fullness.

2 articles

The Continental

2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

305-604-2000

Continental, Eclectic, Modern American, Recommended, Slideshow

For years, Stephen Starr had an eye on Miami Beach's Motel Ankara and even once considered buying the art deco grande dame. The chance arose when Starwood Hotels purchased the Collins Avenue property and embarked on a $100 million makeover. The only thing that could go inside, he said, is the Continental. The retro-chic restaurant helped establish his Philadelphia-based empire but today seemed a risky proposition with out of vogue items like cheesesteak in egg roll form and hyper-Americanized Chinese food. Yet thanks to the kitchen's deft hand, every sweet has a bit of salt, and the Continental succeeds where so many others could fail. Korean lettuce wraps pop with sweet, galbi-marinated beef and fizzy kimchee. A whole fried snapper with tostones and an avocado-tomato salad is a perfect homage to Miami, where having fun at dinner is OK again.Read our full review.

29 articles

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita

1000 S. Miami Ave. Brickell

786-648-8400

Eclectic, Mediterranean, Recommended, Best Of

At Dolores, but You Can Call Me Lolita, there are Vietnamese salmon egg rolls, but you can call them yummy. Dinners encompass pork tenderloin, short-rib ravioli, and linguine with pesto and shrimp, but you can call it all a great deal either way. A dozen wines are poured by the glass, and desserts include items such as mango carpaccio and coconut crème brûlée, but you can call the person to whom you owe a dinner, invite them to Dolores, but You Can Call Me Lolita, and call it money and an evening well spent.

13 articles

Enso

433 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach South Beach

305-534-3676

American, Eclectic, Greek, Japanese, Mediterranean, Best Of

"Enso is an evolutionary solutions workshop which creates the scientific study of deliciousness." So begins the insanely inventive, thoroughly audacious menu at this new sushi/hibachi/Mediterranean deconstructionist establishment on Lincoln Road. Each of a dozen main courses is categorized as "Study," "Analysis," or "Inspiration"; some come fragmented into four. Yellowtail, for instance, brings hamachi meatballs; a "terrine" of raw hamachi slices with diced apple and pine-nut crisp; hamachi "ravioli" wrapped around diced fruit and foamed with basil; and pliable "chips" of fish with "clarified gazpacho." Each component thrilled, as did all four parts of a chocolate dessert (ranging in form from Kit Kat bar to caviar). Sushi is solid too, and a few ceviches and tiraditos are offered. Yet another option (and best bang for the buck at $19) is to choose from a list of meat, fish, and vegetable skewers - served with rice, flour tortillas, salad, and potato croquette - and cook them at a tableside hibachi. Fancier entrées run $28 to $32. Enso's cuisine surprises with its inventiveness and audacity, but what really shocks is just how tasty most of it is.

4 articles

Epicure Gourmet Market & Cafe

1656 Alton Rd., Ste 300, Miami Beach South Beach

305-672-1861

Bakery, Deli, Eclectic, Recommended

Miami's premier upscale foodie emporium displays an impressive array of reasonably priced, decently flavorful meals to go, freshly made or frozen. Skip the frozen ones, which resemble the TV dinners of the bad old days. Instead, try the excellent New England-style clam chowder, hearty pasta e fagioli, well-made lasagna, or tasty chicken potpie; any one of these with a salad and hunk of French bread would make a fine dinner. A quite creditable bread pudding would make an equally fine dessert.Read our full review.

38 articles

The Globe

377 Alhambra Circle Coral Gables/S. Miami

305-445-3555

Eclectic, Italian, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Tucked along Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables, the Globe is an ideal place to meet for happy hour. This quaint and cozy bar/restaurant has high-class flair. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and classic paintings line the walls. Despite the grand piano, the music comes from a DJ who spins loud house music, adding a welcome edge to the surroundings. Outside, small round tables with candles fill the sidewalk. The Globe offers an array of flavorful dishes and provides a complimentary basket of potato chips for bar patrons.

7 articles

Lips

1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park Fort Lauderdale

954-567-0987

Eclectic, International, Bars and Clubs

You don't go to Fort Lauderdale's Lips to eat but to be eaten: The drag queens and divas who patrol the crowd have a sharp eye for a sweet little morsel like you to chew on, so wear your thickest skin. Dinner shows, with a full three-course menu, are at 8:15 or 8:30 Tuesday through Sunday and offer a different theme each night (Bitchy Bingo on Wednesdays); the popular Gospel Brunch on Sunday plays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to a mix of straight couples, elderly tourists, bachelorette parties, and gay blades celebrating their birthdays. Continental entrées of steak, chicken, lamb chops, salads, and sandwiches don't rise far above average, but the show is a hoot and worth every penny. Sunday Brunch is the best bargain, with all-you-can-drink mimosas and bloodies.

10 articles

Lutum

1766 Bay Rd., Miami Beach South Beach

786-773-3149

American, Eclectic, Critics' Pick

As Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour neighborhood has grown more popular, the offerings at restaurants in the area have become increasingly varied but also more expensive. Lutum — from local operators Washington Charles and Antar Sosa, along with chef Mike Mayta — is the antidote. An ethereal chicken liver mousse begins with the organ meat taking on a hard sear in the bird's own fat. Then comes a flurry of spices that toe the line between Jewish chopped liver and a more French, cognac-laced preparation. There's a spot-on cacio e pepe, as well as a perfectly seared burger for patrons who think the space is still home to its last tenant, Burger & Beer Joint. Lutum, thankfully, comes just in time to give the area a place that harks back to the neighborhood's roots without sacrificing anything.

2 articles

Michi's

10437 NW 41st St. Doral

305-629-9292

Health, Eclectic, Pizza

1 article

Nemesis Urban Bistro

1035 N. Miami Ave. Downtown/Overtown

305-415-9911

Eclectic, International, Critics' Pick, Menu, Slideshow

Nemesis is what chef/owner Micah Edelstein wants it to be -- take it or leave it. We'll take it. The hip, relaxed 30-seater is welcoming, the eclectic and delectable cuisine infused with influences from Micah's native South Africa. The resultant melding of distinctive spices and ingredients creates flavors not available on any other plates in town. Don't believe me? Where else can you find kangaroo carpaccio with rooibos tea-smoked tomato oil? Duck-meat pot stickers come efficaciously braised with figs; cubes of lamb are skewered with dried, sherry-soaked apricots and paired with pomegranate syrup and minted yogurt ; and smoked veal bobotie brings a scrumptious round of moist meatloaf capped with diced apricots. Main plates include a trio of huge, meaty scallops with saffron-tomato sauce studded with currants and ground chorizo. It might be a relatively conservative assemblage for Nemesis, but it still features taste notes that are not often encountered. Malva pudding with Amarula sauce and piri piri caramel comes capped with rooibos ice cream. Don't recognize these ingredients? That's half the fun. The other half is unique, home-cooked, highly flavorful fare at reasonable prices. There's no place like Nemesis.

10 articles

Orilla Bar & Grill

426 Euclid Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

305-397-8806

Argentine, Mexican, Lebanese, South American, Fusion, Eclectic

2 articles

Santo

501 S. Federal Highway, 2499 Hallandale Beach

305-532-2882

Eclectic, International, Music Venues, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Menu

It's only fitting that a nightclub named Santo - Spanish for saint - shares its address with a multimillion-dollar casino. shares its address with a multimillion-dollar casino. Originally on South Beach's Lincoln Road, Santo relocated to Hallandale Beach's Gulfstream Park in the summer of 2010. Though the area's nightlife was seemingly nonexistent, this 4,000-square-foot, urban-chic lounge attracts an upscale South Florida crowd from Boca to Brickell. Located on the second floor of the casino complex, Santo offers full bar and bottle service. As is the case with most ultralounges, Santo isn't cheap - $20 cover after midnight - but the people are beautiful and the staff is gracious, thus justifying the price of admission. The lounge gets busy after midnight, and it's not uncommon to see young lovers flirting and scantily clad women dancing atop the bar.

3 articles

Seek + Find

2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables/S. Miami

305-902-6220

American, Fusion, Eclectic

1 article

Tantra Restaurant & Lounge

1445 Pennsylvania Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

305-672-4765

Contemporary, Eclectic, Recommended

This restolounge's sex-centered gimmickry (supposedly aphrodisiac food, a grass-covered floor, belly dancers, soft-core porn flicks) might be dated, but its perennially packed Monday and weekend club nights suggest there are still many people who want to party like it's 1997. Although some of the sensual stuff plays havoc with the concept of fine dining (DJ music that overwhelms table conversation; incense that overpowers food smells), a few of Miami's best local chefs have made their names here - most notably Michelle Bernstein and most recently Top Chef competitor Sandee Birdsong. Offerings include intriguing specials like goat cheese flan with fresh blackberries and lemon zest, along with predictably lavish classics: seared foie gras; a lobster/mango/avocado napoleon with truffle vinaigrette; and a lux take on surf and turf (filet mignon with Cuban coffee sauce, plus a lobster tail).

6 articles

Time Out Market Miami

1601 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

Food Hall, Eclectic, Fast Casual

Time Out Market Miami is a foodie heaven. Packing 17 eateries, a demo cooking area, and three bars into 17,000 square feet, the media brand's first U.S. food hall showcases some of the finest local chefs' food stands. The elite lineup includes Jeremy Ford's take on Korean dishes, Michael Beltran's wood-burning-oven-cooked fare at Leña, and Norman Van Aken's two new concepts — Beach Pie and K'West — the latter a homage to the chef's love affair with the Florida Keys. The food hall uses real glassware, and the three bars delight with wine, champagne, beer, and beloved cocktails from local darlings the Broken Shaker, Sweet Liberty, and the Generator. Insider tip: Finding your favorite tacos, pastries, and libations under one roof is almost too good to be true, but it can pose a serious threat to your wallet and figure. Navigate the entire food hall and plan on your courses carefully before ordering.

35 articles

Van Dyke Cafe

846 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach South Beach

305-534-3600

Eclectic, Bars and Clubs, Music Venues, Recommended

Sibling to the News Café sisters, this open-air eatery is the quintessential sidewalk café. Order up some people-watching along with your thick, fluffy quiches, your platter of pté and Brie, your whole-wheat pizza. No matter what you choose from the comprehensive menu, you'll no doubt be amused by the constant Lincoln Road parade. Or take in the live jazz upstairs. Outdoor seating. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

27 articles

The Village Chalet Restaurant

12312 SW 224th St Cutler Bay/Palmetto Bay

305-258-8900

American, Eclectic, Best Of

The Village Chalet Restaurant works on several levels. Visiting the quaint place hidden inside the Cauley Square Historic Village is like traveling back in time to an Old South restaurant. Service and setting are reminiscent of less harried days. At night, the Village Chalet turns into an underrated entertainment venue with live music. The atmosphere is so un-Miami that you'll consider discarding your city-slicker ways for good. Most important, the food is worthy of the rest of the eatery's qualities. There's a varied menu, both in terms of items and prices. If you make the trek down south for lunch, you'll be rewarded with a special $9.95 menu that includes an eight-ounce sirloin steak grilled to order, as well as pasta, chicken, and seafood dishes. For dinner, try the chicken Marsala ($15.95) or a delightful sea bass alcaparra ($16.95), which is prepared with a creamy caper sauce. The Cajun-style rib eye ($22.95) is pricey compared to other entrées but should sate patrons who like their meat with a kick. For most Miamians, getting to the Village Chalet means a significant drive, but doing so reaps culinary and cultural rewards.

2 articles

W Wine Bistro

3622 NE 2nd Ave. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

305-576-7775

Eclectic, Wine Bar, Recommended, Menu

Located in Miami's Design District, this place is, thankfully, neither another glam decorator shop nor another glam resto-lounge. This Best of 2007 (Best Wine Shop) winner is also a nice, casual, and comfortable neighborhood restaurant where, unlike most places, one can eat lunch and dinner almost every day of the week, without dressing to the nines or blowing the budget. And the eatery also doubles as something of which the increasingly upscale surrounding neighborhoods have even more need: a very hip retail wine store, where one can score special-occasion or everyday dinner-priced bottles, any day or night except Sunday. Fare is mostly simple stuff: sandwiches and salads during the day, tapas at night, drop-dead desserts at all hours. Although basic, it's tasty, particularly because all breads and most pastries are housemade.

1 article

Eclectic in Miami

Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your name, zip code, and email